---
Zephyr nodded. "Not bad. We'll push for tighter bursts next."
Star's eyes sparkled at the praise.
Fenna watched from the sideline, arms crossed and lips twitching with an amused smile. "Is it weird that he looks too happy about setting things on fire?"
"He's a dragon," Zephyr replied. "Fire is his heartbeat."
Star chirped, clearly agreeing with zephyr.
Zephyr grabbed a thick iron plate. He brought it from one of Arlen's old vat lids and set it upright in the second ring. "This is the real test. Controlled flame. You burn this without melting it, and you earn lunch time."
Star padded forward, pupils narrowing. He inhaled slowly, chest expanding. Then he held the breath, not releasing it.
Zephyr raised an eyebrow. "Good. You're learning to temper the burn."
A faint glow began to pulse along Star's throat. Not wild, not flaring, but focused heat. The moment it peaked, he exhaled.
FWSSHHTT!
